China's unprecedented ongoing anti-graft and frugality efforts have caused downfall of a number of officials, and prompted complaints by a number of public servants over low pay and difficulty in getting promoted. Some have even begun to look for ways to protect themselves by job hopping or even sheer inaction. While surveys have shown that the crackdown on corruption is widely supported, even among officials, civil servants also want a better, more transparent remuneration system.

As the nation tightens an ongoing crackdown on corruption, a number of officials have been investigated and sacked, while incomes are falling for those who remain. To avoid the appearance of "malpractice", many of the remaining civil servants have resorted to out-and-out inaction, while others have begun job hopping in search of higher salaries.

Qiang Wei, Party chief of East China's Jiangxi Province, has voiced concerns over these trends.

"Some officials have become too concerned about dealing with entrepreneurs and investors, fearing they'll be implicated if something goes wrong with the businesses," Qiang said at a provincial meeting in July, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

"Some worry that the tightened anti-graft campaign is impacting staff morale and stability. Some thought the strict rules on officials might negatively affect local development. [Officials] don't dare join a meal or receive any gifts, [so] things are getting difficult to accomplish. Some have complained it's difficult to be an official, with some even cutting back on their work," he added.

He Wenkai, a prosecutor in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, has also sensed the change in mindset by some officials.

"Since the central government launched campaigns against hedonism and extravagancy, the whole ecosystem of officialdom has drastically changed. 'Open secrets' have become taboo, and the gray income and benefits that come with power and responsibility have been greatly cut. Some officials cannot get used to it. They're complaining a lot," He told the Global Times.

Echoing Qiang, He said these views are wrong and shall be corrected.

Ye Qing, deputy head of the bureau of statistics of Hubei Province, agreed. He told the Global Times that under the new rules, irregular administrative practices are being improved, and bad habits in official circles are being cracked down on, to the benefit of overall governance.